Budget LCD TVs

Less expensive LCD TVs get better

While most high-end LCD TVs from Samsung, Sony, LG and other makers offer a 120 Hz refresh rate and associated signal processing designed to smooth out motion in films, Vizio's XVT series, which includes the 47-inch Vizio SV470XVT (*Est. $1,100) and 42-inch Vizio SV420XVT (*Est. $1,000), is the first to offer those features in a value-priced option. Reviewers say the effort isn't entirely successful, and that it can produce some artifacts of its own. However, in most ways the Vizio LCD TVs are outstanding performers. Blacks don't quite measure up to those produced by some Sony and Samsung LCD TVs, but that's balanced out by color accuracy that CNET reviewers say stands up well to "the best LCDs in this category."

While those LCD TV sets remain available, Vizio has begun shipping their successors, the 47-inch Vizio SV471XVT (*Est. $1,200) and 42-inch Vizio SV421XVT (*Est. $1,000). These sets up the refresh rate to 240 Hz and add a few other mostly minor tweaks. In a review of the Vizio SV471XVT, TelevisionInfo.com's Richard Baguley says the fact that changes are small is a good thing, as the TV continues to be a great value for the money. Performance is generally fine, though less-than-stellar blacks hold these Vizio's back a bit.

Sensing Vizio was on to something, other makers also have begun introducing value-priced LCD TVs with higher refresh rates. Among those, the Sony KDL-V5100 series draws praise for picture quality. These are Sony's least expensive LCD TVs with 120 Hz refresh rates and are available as the 52-inch Sony Bravia KDL-52V5100 (*Est. $1,500), 46-inch Sony Bravia KDL-46V5100 (*Est. $1,300) and 40-inch Sony Bravia KDL-40V5100 (*Est. $870).

Picture quality is excellent by all reports. Color accuracy is good, though one reviewer notes that getting the best color requires quite a bit of tweaking. The Sony Bravia KDL-V5100 series includes lots of picture controls, especially for an entry-level model. Black levels are deep, but not as deep as on higher-end LCD TVs, and the TV handles shadow details well. Anti-judder circuitry is present, and is turned on by default when the 120 Hz refresh rate is selected -- something not all film fans appreciate. Uniformity could be better, but the screen treatment stands up well under bright lights. Off-center viewing isn't the best, however.

Though they have black levels that fall well short of the competition, Toshiba's ZV650U series has lots of other strong points, not the least of which is value. The TV is available in three screen sizes: the 55-inch Toshiba 55ZV650U (*Est. $1,650), the 47-inch Toshiba 47ZV650U (*Est. $1,250) and the 42-inch Toshiba 42ZV650U (*Est. $1,000).

In terms of features, these TVs are similar to Toshiba's SV670U series of LED-backlit TVs. Performance is a mixed bag. Black levels are notably lighter than some other current LCD TVs, but that's somewhat offset by good shadow detail. Colors are first-rate, and there is a good selection of color controls. These Toshiba LCD HDTVs include Toshiba's ClearScan 240 feature -- a simulated 240 Hz refresh rate that some experts say reduces motion blur, but not as effectively as a true 240 Hz refresh rate and not even as well as some TVs that only feature a 120 Hz refresh rate. Styling is also similar to the SV670U series, but minus the top panel that gives those TV's their single-pane-of-glass design. Again, the screen is more reflective than typical for an LCD. Energy efficiency is good.

Since experts say that the benefits of 120 Hz or 240 Hz processing are hard to see when watching normal TV, you can save some money by skipping the feature altogether. JVC's LT-P300 series of TVs draws compliments from professionals, though many of those stem from its inclusion of an integrated dock for an iPod (so you can play music or video from your iPod on your TV). Available screen sizes include the 32-inch JVC LT-32P300 (*Est. $580), 42-inch JVC LT-42P300 (*Est. $850) and 46-inch JVC LT-46P300 (*Est. $1,200).

Dick De Jong at HDTVSolutions.com tests the JVC LT-46P300 and says it delivers "solid, highly respectable picture quality." CNET looks at the smaller JVC LT-42P300 and concludes that while color and shadow detail could stand a little improvement, black levels are good. Other pluses include a screen treatment that stands up well to bright lights and a fairly wide viewing angle.

Sound quality is mixed in reviews of the JVC LCD TVs. CNET says sound via the LT-P300's speakers is "poor," but others say audio quality is better than on most TVs and fills a good-sized room with sound. Of course, you can always hook up the JVC LCD TV (or any TV) to an external sound system.

Another option in this price range is the LG LH30 series of entry-level LCD TVs. Most budget TV sets are marred by picture defects -- usually lighter black levels than more upscale LCD TVs -- and the LG LH30 series is no exception. However, these sets are capable of producing better color than most of their similarly priced competition and come with a suite of color adjustments and modes that help experts, even typical users get colors that are just about perfect.

Getting the bad news out of the way first, reviews say that black levels on the LG LCD TVs are only so-so and screen uniformity is not the best -- but these are hallmarks of sets in this price range. We saw a split in opinions about viewing angles, with some saying they are fairly wide, and others complaining they are below average.

However, all agree that color performance is terrific. Additionally, the number of useful color controls and setting modes is unsurpassed by most sets at any price point. They include expert modes, designed with help from the Imaging Science Foundation that will be of interest to calibrators and dedicated videophiles. For the rest of us, the LG LCD TVs include the Picture Wizard with built-in test patterns that walks owners though the process of setting up the TV for best results. The screen treatment helps control room reflections fairly well. These TVs are available as the 32-inch LG 32LH30 (*Est. $500), 37-inch LG 37LH30 (*Est. $580), 42-inch 42LH30 (*Est. $750) and the 47-inch LG 47LH30 (*Est. $975).

Vizio continues to earn raves for delivering good LCD TVs and hard-to-resist prices. A prime example is the 32-inch Vizio VO320E (*Est. $400). Experts and users that have weighed in are unanimous in their praise. You won't find many extras, and the resolution is only 720p, though many experts say that's fine in a set of this size.

However, the Vizio VO320E LCD TV delivers where it counts; picture quality is judged to be excellent overall, with great color accuracy. Black levels won't stand up to the very best, but are relatively strong in their own right. Viewing angles are wide. Unlike some budget sets, screen uniformity is fairly good, with no hints of banding or other defects reported. The TV is part of Vizio's Eco series and exceeds the latest Energy Star standards by a claimed 15 percent or more. One annoyance is that the illuminated Vizio logo can't be switched off. Sound quality should be fine for typical TV watching, reports say.

Those on tight budgets might also want to look at Sanyo's DP649 series of LCD TVs. In one professional review we saw they are commended for their solid performance, though a step down from what's available on better TVs. The largest negative is a very poor viewing angle. Sound quality is also poor. Resolution is 720p. User reviews, particularly at Walmart.com, are very solid. Available models include the 32-inch Sanyo DP32649 (*Est. $380) and 26-inch Sanyo DP26649 (*Est. $300).